Graduate Research Assistantship Position: Human Dimensions of Shorebird Stewardship on the Gulf Coast (US)

For full job description, visit the Dayer Human Dimensions Lab website. 

We are seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to conduct human dimensions research focused on reducing human disturbance to shorebirds along the Gulf Coast of the United States. The selected student will be responsible for designing and conducting observations, interviews, and surveys of beach recreationists. Additionally, the student will contribute to the design of community-based social marketing campaigns based on the research findings and evaluate the campaigns. Interested students must be willing to work in the coastal environment during hot and humid summer conditions. The student will be mentored by Prof. Ashley Dayer, a conservation social scientist with extensive experience in bird conservation and science co-production with conservation practitioners. The student will receive a MS in Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech (https://fishwild.vt.edu/) and be part of the Dayer Human Dimensions Lab (https://dayer.fishwild.vt.edu/).

Graduate degree program will begin in January 2025, but the start date is negotiable. The position will remain open until filled.

Minimum qualifications:

• BS or BA degree in human dimensions, fisheries, wildlife, natural resources, environmental social sciences, geography, or related discipline with coursework or other experience in social sciences and natural resources or environment
• GPA of 3.4 or higher (over the last 60 credit hours)
• Interest in human dimensions research and science co-production
• Willingness to travel and conduct field work in a coastal area
• Experience with education, outreach, communications, or community engagement
• Excellent writing skills
• Organized and attention to detail
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Works well independently and as part of a team

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated research experience (data collection, analysis, and writing)
• Field work experience in social science or biology
• Experience writing science research reports or journal articles
• Experience with survey and/or interview research
• Knowledge of shorebird conservation
• Skills in using statistical analysis software
• Skills in qualitative data analysis software

To apply, submit a single pdf including:

• Cover letter summarizing interest in the position, qualifications, and experience, as well as research and career goals.
• CV or resume
• Academic transcripts (can be unofficial)
• Names, contact information (email address and phone number), and short description of relationship for three professional or academic references

Submit application materials via email to Sami Livingston (sami3@vt.edu) with “Dayer Lab GRA application” in the email subject line. Applications will begin to be reviewed June 7th, but the position will remain open until filled. The top candidate will also need to apply to the Virginia Tech Graduate School before acceptance (but applicants do not need to initiate this application yet).